Page 99 of Fielder's Choice

The sound of laughter reverberates off every wall of my penthouse. Since Olive got here a little bit ago, Sage has been attached to her hip. Seems Liv earned herself a new shadow.

And I don’t think she minds it one bit as I see her spinning around the living room with my daughter.

I can’t fully explain how I feel when I watch them together. Since Sage was born, I’ve longed for a connection with somebody, but I didn’t think I’d ever find it. Who would want to settle down with the man who slept with half of New York City?

But seeing Olive here with us, loving on my daughter as if she’s her own?

I feelcomplete.

I’m still getting to know her, but the more I learn, the further I fall. Olive Finch is fucking special, and I know she’s exactly what my daughter and I need.

Sage suddenly shouts, “I need pee!” before running off like a bat outta hell on her way to the bathroom. I throw my head back and laugh as Olive comes to stand beside me.

“I don’t think you’ve taken your eyes off me, Hotshot,” she chuckles, pushing her hair behind her shoulder, showing off the bare skin exposed through her slouchy sweatshirt.

“Why would I want to?” I smile. “You’re very fun to look at. Andfuck,I love watching you with my daughter.”

“She’s the best,” Olive sighs, a faraway look on her face.

I take her hand in mine and lightly squeeze. “It really bothers you, doesn’t it?”

She takes a deep breath but refuses to meet my eyes. “Yeah.” Her voice is so soft, so full of grief. “I know it’s been five years since I found out about my infertility, but I still struggle to accept it. I’ve always wanted kids.”

“Well, you have my daughter,” I reply assuredly.

“Sage isn’t my daughter, though.”

I place my palm on her cheek and turn her face until I finally see those deep, green eyes. “Remember, Liv. Family doesn’t have to be blood. Sage is myonlyblood family member.”

“That’s just it, though,” she says. “You already have a blood family member. I can’t imagine you could ever actually see yourself with somebody who can’t give you more of that.”

Her words are honest and vulnerable, but there are just a few that cling to my soul. “Do you see yourself with me, Ballerina?”

Olive’s cheeks blush, and she gasps. “I-I’m just saying…”

“You’re just worrying. Worrying that I won’t want you because you can’t have kids.” I kiss her gently. “Baby, you fail to realize that I don’t care at all about that. If Sage is the only child I have, then that’s fine by me. She’s incredible. And for the record, I absolutely see myself with you, kids or no kids.”

“You do?” she replies breathlessly.

I chuckle. “I thought that was obvious by now. I still don’t want to rush you, but it’s pretty clear that I like you, Olive. I’m not ashamed to admit that.”

“You’re not ashamed to admit anything,” she laughs. “You’re the most shameless person I know. And that’s saying something because Violet is my sister.”

“I’m just going to take that as a compliment,” I smile while she laughs. When Sage comes bounding back into the room, I scoop her up into my arms and settle her on my hip. “There’s my Lovebug!”

She giggles while hugging me. “I here, Daddy!”

“What do you think, Sage?” I ask, looking at my daughter’s sweet smile. “Should we have dinner soon?”

“Yes!” she claps. “Owive have dinner, too?”

I turn to Olive with a grin, just one corner of my mouth curved up. “What do you say?”

Olive smiles and shakes her head. “As if there’s anywhere else I’d want to be.”

I barely have Sage in her pull-up before she sprints out of the bathroom. “Owive!”

I hear Olive’s sweet laughter from the living room, where she waited while I gave Sage her bath. “Hey, sweet girl!”

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